From the Horse's Mouth
Dr. Mark Harris from Akron Vision Center says:
Yearly Eye Exams are Essential For Seniors
It seems like, as we all get older, health-related appointments for screenings and checkups begin to dominate our calendars. With many pressing health concerns that require attention, it might be easy to overlook the annual eye examination, especially if your glasses are in good shape and you seem to be seeing ok.
That can be risky. Senior citizens are much more prone to develop serious eye disorders like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. And early detection is often the key to preserving vision. In addition, a thorough eye examination can uncover symptoms of serious health problems--- hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes all can produce significant changes within the eye that once detected can now be treated effectively.
Did you know that having Diabetes can cause blindness if not detected?
Diabetes: Many people who are diabetic have become legally blind from diabetic retinopathy. The most severe type of diabetic retinopathy is called neovascular diabetic retinopathy (NDR). With NDR the retina grows tiny new blood vessels in an attempt to provide more blood flow to the peripheral retina. But these new blood vessels are extremely fragile and always rupture. The resulting hemorrhage causes sudden severe loss of vision. The only effective treatment is to laser the retina before the rupture, but since the new blood vessels do not initially affect your vision, you may think you are doing fine, but, in fact you are headed for disaster! Only thorough annual dilated ophthalmoscopy can detect this condition in time to prevent vision loss.
It is easy to take good vision for granted, but it is a blessing to be cherished. And when you cherish something, you take care to protect and preserve it! So be sure to keep those yearly check-ups with your optometrist, and enjoy seeing for many years to come! "
100 W Rochester St. Akron, IN 46910
(574) 893-7050